I hope this holiday season is filled with warmth and laughter, friends and family, and the gift of peace. 

Elaine

The Pantone color of 2014 is Radiant Orchid.  Much like the flower, this color elegant and beautiful.   While being vibrant, it is softer than the last few years colors.

This color may have had some royal influence.  This shade had been a favorite of Kate Middleton.

Source

Source

thanks·giv·ing  (\thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ)
1:   the act of giving thanks 2: a prayer expressing gratitude 3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness

Each year at Thanksgiving I reflect on how humbled I am to be able to do this job that I love and share so many moments with wonderful people.  Being invited to share in each couples wedding day and working with amazing and talented vendors makes my job even better.  

Thank-You

thanks-you notes from happy brides

Ever wondered how Nashville compared to the rest of the country for weddings?  Here are a few stats ...

This couple wanted their summer wedding to be a fun celebration.  

The groomsmen's shoes were perfect. 

Cornflower blue and yellow were mixed throughout the wedding in the flower, cakes and program. 

Check out the awesome Spiderman grooms cake! 

With a young and lively bridal party, everyone had blast on the dance floor. 

LOL!

Vendors

Venue:

The Mill at Lebanon

Photography:

Affordable Wedding Photography

Florist:

Belles Fleurs Designs

Catering:

Wildberry Catering

DJ:

Nashville Party Authority

Bartending:

Julie's Bartending Service

Cake: Martha's Cake

1. You have to learn a new language.  Before planning a wedding you may never have heard of DOC or Chivari or what was the MOB or MOG.  Here is a quick list of common terms:

• DIY - Do it yourself
• MOH - Maid of Honor
• MOG - Mother of the Groom
• MOB - Mother of the Bride
• STD - Save the Date
•  BM, GM - Bridesmaid, Groomsmen
• DOC - Day of Coordinator
• Prelude - music played before the ceremony
• Chivari - A style of chair
• Uplight - Lighting that is placed on the floor and has a beam of light up toward the ceiling
• Pin-spot - A small beam of light used to highlight one area such as the cake table
• Gobo - Lighting that uses a stencil to project a design or monogram onto the floor or wall

Here are two dictionaries to help you learn about the the new terms you hear.

Martha Steward Glossary 

Bridal Guide Dictionary

2. Wedding are never perfect.  No matter what you see on blogs or the little voices keep whispering in your head, weddings never occur without a small hiccup.  It is usually very small things such as forgetting to bring the champagne flutes or a flower breaking on a boutonniere.  However, those things are never mentioned in blogs and truthfully are quickly forgotten about after the wedding.  Don't put more stress on yourself. 

creative commons: county marquees 

3.  Friends and family will get on your nerves.  People are usually much harder to manage than the details.  Your family may pressure you to invite too many people you don't care about.  Or a bridesmaid may procrastinate on buying her dress.  It may seem like they are singlehandedly trying to ruin your day.  Your mother may hate your linen color or you may get pressured into choosing a ringbearer.  Focus on the good parts and ignore the negative feedback.

4. The budget will try to double.  Making a budget and sticking to it are very difficult if not impossible.  Things will need to be purchased.  You will see things online that you have to have.  If you have never planned a wedding, it can be very easy to underestimate costs when beginning.   Set a reasonable budget and purchase based on good investments not adding fluff. 

5. Las vegas will sound wonderful. Or any other town that will let you elope quickly and with little fuss or expense.  Every couple has that moment where they wonder if they are insane for trying to plan a wedding.  Or putting all of their family into one room together was a good idea.  Family stress, money stress, or details and logistics can make even the most laid back couple envision a wedding with Elvis sounding wonderful. Usually this feeling passes. If it doesn't then find the quickest flight to Vegas and promise to have a small reception when you get back.  Peace of mind doesn't have a price tag.  

6. You may start obsessing over small details.  Whether it is the color of your napkins or the font on the invitation, there is usually one detail that causes every bride to lose it for a few.  It's OK.  After looking at enough Pinterest boards it can be easy to thing that your wedding isn't good enough.  Step back from the computer.  While it sounds harsh, no matter what you do or pick you will always see something better. 

7. Everyone wants to give you advice and share their opinion.  No matter if you want them too.  And they will ask you an endless amount of inane questions.  Just nod your head and give them simple details...and wait for the next person to start asking or offering advice.  It's your wedding and you get to decide what is right for your wedding. 

When I met Julissa, I knew her wedding was going to be amazing.  So it was no surprise that her engagement photos were equally as memorable.

Look at these photos from Jenna Winstead:

If you have never planned a wedding, it can be very easy to underestimate what a wedding will cost.  The photos in blogs and on Pinterest don't include the price tag.

Check out the website Cost of Wedding.  Enter your zipcode and you can see averages for your area.  Or on the Wedding Cost Estimator to enter specific information about your wedding details for a more exact estimate.  Every bride should look at this before she begins planning.   Knowing the average or the range that items costs can prevent disappointment and make couples smarter about their spending decisions.

I did an estimate for an average bride.  Here is the breakdown.

Your Wedding Cost Estimate for Williamson County, TN

Your Estimated Cost: $27,613

Guests: 150

Estimated Cost Per Guest: $184

Averages In Williamson TN (County)

Cost: $26,531 to $44,218

Guests: 148 to 168

View full details online

	Your Estimated Cost
Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase	$216
Wedding Dress/es	$1,284
Attire & Accessories Total:	$1,500 - 5.4% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Hair Service	$73
Makeup Service	$58
Beauty & Spa Total:	$131 - 0.5% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
DJ	$768
Entertainment Total:	$768 - 2.8% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Boutonnieres, Corsages	$140
Bridal Bouquet	$151
Bridesmaid Bouquets	$184
Event Decorations	$492
Event Flower Arrangements	$533
Event Table Centerpieces	$366
Flowers & Decorations Total:	$1,866 - 6.8% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Ceremony Programs	$112
Guest Book	$63
Invitations & Reply Cards	$261
Reception Menus	$117
Table Name and Escort/place Cards	$80
Invitations Total:	$633 - 2.3% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Digital or Photo cd/dvd	$356
Wedding Photographer	$1,823
Wedding Videographer	$1,153
Photography & Video Total:	$3,332 - 12.1% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Full Service	$3,845
Planner/Consultant Total:	$3,845 - 13.9% of Total
	Your Estimated Cost
Ceremony Officiator	$214
Event Accessories	$360
Event Bar Service	$2,584
Event Food Service	$5,004
Event Location	$3,689
Event Rentals	$1,793
Hotel Room for After Reception	$327
Limo Rental	$526
Rehearsal Dinner	$598
Wedding Cake/dessert	$443
Venue, Catering & Rentals Total:	$15,538 - 56.3% of Total

Hope and Jason's wedding was all about enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.  They all gathered at a venue north of Nashville.  The fall weather was amazing for their outdoor event.

The ceremony took place on the dock with friends and family watching from the bank.  Guests sat on hay bales covered with burlap or quilts.

Since the couple didn't want to do a first look, they each stood on either side of the door and held hands for a moment which resulted in this adorable shot. 

With a color scheme of purple and green and the girls in their boots, the venue was a perfect choice.  

This amazing old truck belonged to the groom father.  

Wine bottles made for a fun guest book that the couple will enjoy for years. 

After dinner was dessert...and there were lots of great options.

The brides cake...

The grooms cake as well as cupcakes in a jar. The cupcakes were great!

Later the ice cream truck came by...

Guests had a great time dancing the night away on the upstairs deck. 

Since the groom worked with beekeeping, the favors were small jars of honey and the gift went into a bee box.  So cute!

Instead of the traditional send off...the couple had guests throw popcorn.... it was a sea of popcorn coming down and the bride and groom loved it.

One last photo....

Hope & Jason - Wedding Highlights from Golden Cinema on Vimeo.

Vendors

Venue: Sycamore Springs

Catering: Kathy's Sugar and Spice

Photography: Funky Diva Photography

Videography: Golden Cinema

I knew when I met Sarah and Steve that their wedding would be fun! Well fun is an understatement; I think some of the guests called it epic.  Since most of their guests were coming from out of town they wanted to throw them a party, including both traditional elements as well as non-traditional ones.

Their wedding adventure started in downtown Nashville with the cityscape as a background for some great photos and a sweet first look.  Check out the fabulous mismatched bridesmaid dresses!

They and their bridal party enjoyed traveling around the city before their journey led them north to a rural retreat for them and their guests. (And being late because of a marching band competition, lol) With guests arriving from around the country, the couple wanted the day to be an enjoyable fun filled day with Nashville “country” charm. 

After arriving at Smiley Hollow, the ceremony took place in front of the large stone fireplace. 

The couple was so happy they literally skipped down the aisle when the left  :) 

Guests then enjoyed the food and BBQ made onsite. Beer steins and mason jars were provided for family and friends.   

DIY signs made from painted mirrors added to the decor.  The wagons and vintage signs are all part of Smiley Hollows charm. 

Instead of wedding cake, the birde chose to offer guests Danish Kringle from near her hometown in Wisconsin. 

The couple included their adorable dog in the festivities.  

Family and friends provided the entertainment with different music groups performing for the guests.  

The DIY photo booth from picture frames and props was a hit with the guests.

Vendors:

Photography: Rory White  http://rorywhite.com

Venue: Smiley Hollow  http://www.smileyhollow.com/

Florals: Thomas Michael

Have you seen the colors for spring 2014?

Dazzling Blue is the color for spring.  The collection includes a nice selection of both pastels and bolder shades.  They combine well together or with other pastels for that soft spring look.   Some of these colors have been influenced by the Royal family while others from Old World elegance with a few taken from nature.

I can already see these colors influencing spring and summer weddings. 

Updated January 2020

If you are a bride on a budget, here are some venues around Nashville that will help you save. There may be trade-offs such as fewer amenities or more restrictions.

1. The Martin Center

Located in Brentwood.   This facility is a community center, but offers facility rentals after hours and weekends. 

Notes: Includes tables and chairs for 200

2. Cool Springs House

Located in Brentwood.  This old home in Crockett Park is a beautiful setting for a smaller wedding.

Notes: Some tables and chairs.  No dancing in the house.  

3. Cedar Forest Lodge

Located in Cedars of Lebanon Park.  This historic lodge holds 80 guests in a rustic and natural setting

Notes: Includes tables and chairs for 80.  Books up very early.

Other great state parks are Fall Creek Falls and Henry Horton

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4. The Foundry

Located in Nashville.  This historic, artsy building can hold up to 150 guests. 

Notes: Has a few tables.  No alcohol allowed.

5. Amqui Station

Located in Madison.  This historic train station has a large outdoor pavilion that holds 200 seated.

Notes: Will need to follow the facility policies.  Tables and linens available for rent.    

6. Smiley Hollow

Located in Goodlettsville.  This venue includes indoor and outdoor space as well as catering.  Includes tables, benches, food and non-alcoholic drinks. 

7. Stone Hall

Located in Hermitage.  This historic house starts at $150 an hour.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something. However, it will not cost you anything extra. We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that links to Amazon.com

8. Monthaven

Located in Hendersonville.  This old plantation house is used used as an art gallery. 

9. Camp Marymount

This summer camp location has a lodge, chapel and cabins .   

10. Fiddlers Grove

An historical village with multiple locations for weddings. 

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This Houston Station Nashville wedding was both simple and beautiful.  The bride wanted to throw a fun get together for her out of town guests to welcome them to town.

Look at this sweet first look.

The ceremony was held at a nearby church.

Beautiful touches were everywhere.

Look at this adorable seating chart cards

Look at these fun details that were captured before the wedding:

The bride and groom and their bridal party snapped a few photos and then the party started.

Afterward the bride and groom made a beautiful escape.

Vendors:

Photographer: Betsy Limbaugh

Reception: Houston Station Nashville

Catering: Chef and I

Flowers: Belles Fleurs

Cake: Beckers Bakery

Rentals: Southern Events

Almost every engaged couple creates their own wedding website.  However, there are so many websites that can help you with every aspect of your wedding from floorplans to decor to apparel.   Here are some popular ones and some you may not have heard of.

Planning
Here are some of the best websites to help you plan your wedding everything from finding vendors to managing guest lists.

Perfect Wedding Guide:  This site offers ebooks, planning tools and a mobile app.

My Wedding: Here you can collect ideas, manage your budget and create your own website.

My Wedding Workbook: Create a wedding website, share inspiration boards and manage RSVP's.


Inspiration

Lover.ly:  Discover wedding trends, explore by category or color.

Cloud Parade: Search and shop by color, style or category

Refinery29: This wedding section offer how-tos, inspiration and shopping


Community

Wedding Bee Offers the best online community and blogging brides

Offbeat Bride The site for brides who celebrate everything offbeat and unique.


Classifieds

Bravo Bride: Good deals on new and used wedding supplies

Recycle your Wedding:  Buy and sell in this community.  No fees.

OnceWed: In addition to DIY wedding inspiration, you can find used wedding dresses.

Tradesy:  Fashion resale made easy


Photos

WedPics This site gives you both a website and an app to collect guest photos

GuestShots Lets your collects photos and videos from your wedding guests

I was honored to be asked to help contribute to the Grand Opening of the new Grays on Main in Franklin.  The event was amazing. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds turned out to tour the building.

Photo: Jill Begin

A video was shown about some of the history of Gray's drugstore.

Photo: Jill Begin

And then came the countdown to the lighting of the iconic sign. 

Photo: Jill Begin

I had so much fun designing this tent and helping with the ice cream floats that were given to guests.  Some of the Gray's staff was dressed in vintage style clothes of the 50's.

Some of fun details:

Some of the hardworking staff staying very busy. 

Be sure to visit Gray's, taste the amazing food and pick up a t-shirt.

Rachel and Steven were married on a family farm in Alabama south of Huntsville.  Rachel pulled a lot of the inspiration for the flowers from natural and wild looking flowers.  She chose a color scheme of brown, green and orange with white as a background.

Coffebreak roses, green mini poms, baby kale( specifically in her bouquet), hypernium berries, billy balls and Queen Anne's lace were some of the beautiful flowers in her bouquet and centerpieces.   I had so much fun creating all the floral arrangements for this wedding.   

Succulents

 and flowers from the family garden were placed in small pots for favors for the guests. 

A tractor was brought out for a fun and hands-on photo booth. 

The evening was filled with fun and dancing as the sun set across the pastures.  

Vendors:

Flowers: Events by Elaine

Cake: Crazy Daisy Cakes

Catering: Ashley's Creative Catering

Photographer: B&B Portraits - Michael Saliba

Videographer:  B&B Portraits

DJ: Zoot Suite Riot